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Ex-New Yorkers Harvey, Fowler post poignant performances

May 12 2018 8:22 AM

Cincinnati Reds recruit Matt Harvey and Oakland Athletics' Dustin Fowler starred as they exorcised their New York demons in MLB.

New York is big, the media is harsh and the pressure is enormous. Harvey handled it for a while with the Mets, but fell apart in the long run while Fowler never got the chance to succeed with the Yankees.

Friday though, both men led the way as debutant Harvey helped the Reds to a 6-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, while Fowler and the Athletics trumped the Yankees 10-5.

Fowler possibly had the most agonising MLB debut of all time with the Yankees. He played just half an inning before crashing into a fence at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, which resulted in a season-ending leg injury.

He never got a chance to swing the bat. He was then traded to the A's in the deal for Sonny Gray and had to wait a long time before getting another opportunity at the plate.

Friday, Fowler was able to finally grab his first MLB hit off none other than the man he was traded for, Gray.

Harvey was unceremoniously designated for assignment by the Mets last week and traded to the Reds for Devin Mesoraco on Wednesday. But the change of venue appears to have treated him well as he dominated the Dodgers in his first start for Cincinnati.

The former top-10 pick faced just one over the minimum through four scoreless innings.

CONTRERAS GIVES CUBS BRAGGING RIGHTS

Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras went four for five with two home runs, two doubles and seven RBIs in an 11-2 win over the Chicago White Sox.

Manny Machado went two for four with two home runs, including a grand slam, and six RBIs in the Baltimore Orioles' 9-4 victory against the Tampa Bay Rays.

SMOAK FAILS TO CATCH FIRE

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Justin Smoak went 0 for five with four strikeouts in a 5-3 win over the Boston Red Sox after 12 innings.

YOU'VE GOT MAILE!

Blue Jays catcher Luke Maile hit both the game-tying and the game-winning home runs for Toronto in their 12-inning triumph against the Boston.

The Astros may be the much better team on paper, but the Rangers have won the last three matchups between the rivals and the season series is tied 4-4. Charlie Morton (4-0, 2.16 ERA) is a sleeper Cy Young candidate, while Doug Fister (1-3, 4.02 ERA) threw five innings of one-run ball in his other start against Houston this season. This one is bound to be close, especially if the Astros continue their trend against Texas' rotation as they have scored just one run in the last 24 innings against the team from Arlington.